Not just anyone can be from Bordeaux. If you haven’t passed the test of fire by tasting each of these 11 typical specialties at least once in your life, you’re not legally entitled to the Bordeaux origin. To obtain it, we’ve compiled a list of these must-try dishes and (above all) where to find them.
1. Canelé
This little coppery sweet perfumes the city of Gironde. It’s more than just a delicacy, it’s a symbol. Originally made in Bordeaux by nuns, the recipe for canelé endured until the 19th century, when it was adopted by all Bordeaux pastry shops. So, do you prefer La Toque Cuivrée or Baillardran?
📍La Toque Cuivrée or Baillardran
2. Oysters from the Basin
If you’ve never tasted oysters from the Bay of Arcachon, you can’t claim to be from Bordeaux, and you know it. Hollow, plump… In the region, it’s eaten with shallot vinegar and crépinette, a small flat sausage, also a must.
📍Chez Jean-Mi – marché couvert des Capucins or marché du Quai des Chartrons.
3. The white dunes
Like one of Proust’s Madeleines, the dune blanche has the power to transport us to Cap-Ferret in a single bite. In fact, this chouquette topped with a rich cream and dusted with powdered sugar is a delight for tourists passing through Cap-Ferret, as well as well-informed Bordelais.
📍Chez Pascal – 7 Rue de la Vieille Tour, 33000 Bordeaux
4. Lamprey à la bordelaise
Lamprey is a dish you either love or hate. Indeed, its taste is as intense as it is distinctive. It’s the only fish that’s bled alive. Its blood is mixed with red wine to make a sauce (à la bordelaise), and it’s often served with garlic croutons and red wine.
📍Brasserie le Noaille – 12 Allées de Tourny, 33000, Bordeaux
5. Entrecôte bordelaise
You could say that it’s hard to enjoy life in Bordeaux if you’re a vegetarian, because the Bordelais is essentially a meat-eater. A good entrecôte with beef from Bazas, cooked on vine shoots, accompanied by a red wine sauce and potatoes from Eysines, if you please.
📍Le Plana, 22 Pl. de la Victoire, 33000 Bordeaux, France
6. La tricandille
A speciality of the Médoc region , tripe is grilled on vines or vine shoots and seasoned with pepper, salt, garlic and parsley. Served as an aperitif. Not very tasty, this recipe is nonetheless considered one of the most exquisite dishes for those who appreciate its intense flavor.
📍La Tupina, 6 Rue Prte de la Monnaie, 33800 Bordeaux
7. Lormont gratton
Another unappetizing yet delicious specialty! This terrine of fresh ham and spices is a veritable institution. In fact, it has made the reputation of the Gaudin charcuterie (Lormont). For the record, its name comes from its long cooking time, which requires regular scraping of the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking.
📍Boucherie Ribeiro – Marché des Capucins, 33000, Bordeaux
8. Les puits d’amour
We’re all about love for this little cabbage filled with caramelized Chiboust custard and topped with an Italian meringue. Originally from Captieux, puits d’amour have been making a name for themselves in the Gironde town since 1944, thanks to the pastry chefs at Maison Seguin, whose deft touch makes all the difference!
📍Maison Seguin – Chartrons or Caudéran, 33000 Bordeaux
9. Saint-Émilion macaroons
Macaroons, yes, but from Saint-Émilion! We already know the region for its wine, but the macaroons are delicious too! The traditional recipe originated with the Ursuline nuns in the 18th century. The difference with those from La Durée? They’re flat, slightly cracked, and not filled to give the almonds their rightful place.
📍 Souvenirs et Gourmandises, 7 Pl. de I’Eglise Monolithe, 33330 Saint-Émilion
10. Lillet
Let’s finish with a drink. And not the least. The Bretons have their cider, the Marseillais their pastis, and the Bordelais their lillet. A cross between Gin Tonic and Aperol, it combines the sweetness of wine with the bitterness of fruit. White, red or rosé, what color will your Lillet be?
📍Mama Shelter, 19 Rue Poquelin Molière, 33000, Bordeaux
11. Aquitaine caviar
Aquitaine caviar is a veritable treasure trove of Bordeaux gastronomy! Are you surprised? Well, the region has been producing caviar of exceptional quality for over 100 years. Raised in ideal natural conditions, Aquitaine sturgeon are rigorously selected, producing caviar with a unique taste, subtle notes of iodine and hazelnut. Want to discover this rare pearl? Head to Caviar Sturia , just 30 minutes from Bordeaux, and you’ll find something to tantalize your taste buds! So, what are you waiting for to taste the luxury of Aquitaine?
📍 Caviar Sturia, Groupe Kaviar / Sturgeon, 102 route de Beauval, 33450 St Sulpice-et-Cameyrac